Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn’s Xbox 360 snub is due to Microsoft’s policies, says Square

Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn is heading to PS3 and PC August 27, but is notably absent on Xbox 360. Developer Square-Enix has confirmed that the game’s absence is due to Microsoft’s continued reluctance to share game servers with other platforms.

RPGsite reports that the game’s director Naoki Yoshida made clear the reasons for the snub in a new interview. While the MMO will support cross-play between PS3 and PC players, Microsoft finds the idea unpalatable.

“The main reason from our side is that I don’t want the community to be divided; to be split into two or more,” he said. “For example, one player might be on the PC version, another might be on the PS4 version, and I’m playing the Xbox version – but we’re not able to join the same game servers. That is just… I just don’t like the idea. I disagree with it.

“To be frankly honest with you, there are now so many mobile devices, smart phones, everything — why would you ever just stick to one platform from the hardware aspect? Just — make it open to everyone? That’s my opinion.”

“I would love for as many players as possible to enjoy the game worldwide, so from a business point of view it could make sense to have it on the Xbox platforms. But as I mentioned earlier, that would bring about the tragedy that somebody might have to give up their existing character. Then players might get frustrated, and then they ask us – ‘Square Enix, can’t you do something?’ and then… yeah. Unless that happens, we can’t really do anything.”

He added explicitly that, “The policy has not changed on Microsoft’s side,” ruling out the chance for a truly connected cross-play world across PC, PS3 and Xbox 360.

What do you make of the above? Should Microsoft open up more, or will it never happen? Let us know below.